University Of Alabama Mourns Death Of Former Track Star Eliud Kipsang

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Eliud Kipsang, a record-setting runner and former standout for the University of Alabama track and field team, died Tuesday evening, university officials announced Wednesday.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

He was 28 years old.

According to a GoFundMe set up for Kipsang, he suffered cardiac arrest on Friday, June 6, and was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. His condition never improved and he died after several days of care.

As of the publication of this story, the GoFundMe had raised $1,575 toward its goal of $30,000.

A native of Eldoret, Kenya, Kipsang was one of the most decorated distance runners in Crimson Tide history. During his time in Tuscaloosa, he broke multiple school records and held the collegiate record in the 1,500 meters with a time of 3:33.74 set in 2022 — a mark that still ranks among the top five in NCAA history.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of Eliud Kipsang, one of the most gifted athletes ever to wear crimson and white,” Alabama head coach Dan Waters said in a statement on Wednesday. “His impact on our program extended far beyond records and championships; he was a beloved teammate, a brother to so many and a dear friend to me, personally.”

Kipsang’s breakout season came in 2021, when he won Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles in both the 1,500 meters during the outdoor season and in cross country. He was named the SEC Runner of the Year for his performance and later earned All-South Region honors with a top-five finish at the NCAA South Region Championships.

Over the course of his career, Kipsang earned multiple First Team All-America honors and helped lead Alabama to its fourth SEC cross country championship in 2022.

In addition to his collegiate 1,500m record, Kipsang holds three Alabama program records — in the indoor mile (3:54.36), indoor distance medley relay (9:22.43) and outdoor 1,500 meters.

He also appears in the program’s all-time top 10 in the indoor 3,000m, outdoor 800m and outdoor 5,000m.

Kipsang competed in the Africa Championship trials in 2019 before joining Alabama for the 2020-21 season.

In his debut season, Kipsang claimed the SEC 1,500m title and placed second in the 800m. He continued to rise as a national contender and consistent leader for the Tide’s distance program.

“The running community has lost a remarkable soul,” Waters said.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.